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\nPolice said the loss of a large amount of fuel was a major hit for a local business (file photo).
\nPhoto: 123rf\n<\/p>\n
Police are investigating a theft of more than 3000 litres of diesel in the Manawat\u016b town of Marton this week.<\/p>\n
Sergeant Wayne Sandbrook said two men arrived early on Tuesday morning at a Marton business in a white light truck and filled a small fuel trailer, a fuel pod and drums with diesel from an on-site tank.<\/p>\n
Sandbrook said the loss of a large amount of fuel was a major hit for a local business.<\/p>\n
Police had noted a nationwide trend<\/a> of attempted fuel thefts<\/a>, and cases had come before the courts in Hamilton and Christchurch this week.<\/p>\n “Both people involved have attempted to hide their identity, but we’re continuing to make enquiries to hold these offenders to account,” Sandbrook said.<\/p>\n “We would like to hear from anyone who saw a white-coloured light truck towing a small fuel trailer in the Marton area around the time of the offending, or any other suspicious activity.”<\/p>\n Anyone with information was urged to call or log onto the 105 website and use the reference number 260407\/4600, or call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.<\/p>\n “Offending like this hurts hard-working people in our community, and our message to people is if you see anything suspicious, please report it to us immediately.”<\/p>\n Teen charged over vehicle, fuel thefts in Southland<\/p>\n Police investigating a series of burglaries and fuel thefts in Southland have arrested a 17-year-old youth.<\/p>\n Invercargill’s area prevention manager Acting Inspector Mel Robertson said several rural thefts occurred overnight last Tuesday, with significant quantities of fuel among the items taken.<\/p>\n “Six vehicles were stolen, along with hundreds of litres diesel and petrol, but police have been able to recover five of the vehicles thanks to GPS tracking.”<\/p>\n He said the offending caused significant distress and upheaval for hard-working people.<\/p>\n “Anyone who is thinking of stealing fuel or vehicles should take this as a warning – we will act immediately and use our resources to find and prosecute anyone involved.”<\/p>\n The youth was arrested after a search warrant was executed at an Invercargill property.<\/p>\n He has been charged with burglary relating to the theft of fuel from a tractor and further charges were being considered.<\/p>\n He is due to appear in the Invercargill Youth Court later this month.<\/p>\n An 18-year-old at the property was also arrested and charged with receiving stolen goods.<\/p>\n He is due to appear in the Invercargill District Court on 14 April.<\/p>\n Nine 20 litre cans containing different fuels have been recovered.<\/p>\n “Unfortunately, this is a timely reminder for everyone, especially those in rural communities, to look at their security, especially around fuel,” Robertson said.<\/p>\n Further arrests might be made, he said.<\/p>\n